Updated 28 March 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 31 January 2023 under section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions.
We planned the inspection to check whether the registered practice was meeting the legal requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated regulations.
The inspection was led by a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspector who was supported by a specialist dental advisor.
To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we always ask the following 5 questions:
- Is it safe?
- Is it effective?
- Is it caring?
- Is it responsive to people’s needs?
- Is it well-led?
These questions form the framework for the areas we look at during the inspection.
Our findings were:
- The dental clinic appeared clean and well-maintained.
- The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available. Improvements were required in regard to the checks undertaken of the kit.
- The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises.
- Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children. However, improvements were required to the safeguarding policy.
- The practice had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation.
- Clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
- Patients were treated with dignity and respect. Staff took care to protect patients’ privacy and personal information.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- The appointment system worked efficiently to respond to patients’ needs.
- The frequency of appointments was agreed between the dentist and the patient, giving due regard to National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
- There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staff felt involved, supported and worked as a team.
- Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
- Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.
- The practice had information governance arrangements.
- Improvements were required in regard to the practice’s use of closed-circuit television (CCTV) and the practice’s approach to assessing risk from fire and lone working.
Immediately following the inspection we were sent documentary evidence that the policies had been updated.
Background
Dental Care-Laura Lynch & Associates is in Beckenham and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is step free access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.
The dental team includes 5 dentists, 3 dental nurses, 5 dental hygienists and 3 receptionists. The practice has 4 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists, 2 dental nurses and 2 receptionists. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday 8.30 am - 8.00 pm
Tuesday & Wednesday 8.00 am - 5.30 pm
Thursday 9.00 am - 6.00 pm
Friday 8.00 am - 4.00 pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Implement protocols for the use of closed-circuit television cameras taking into account the guidelines published by the Information Commissioner's Office.
- Improve the practice’s safeguarding policy and ensure it takes into account both adults and children.
- Improve the practice's systems for assessing, monitoring and mitigating the various risks arising from the undertaking of the regulated activities. In particular in regard to fire and lone working risks for the hygienist
- Improve the practice's protocols for medicines management and ensure all medicines are stored and dispensed of safely and securely.
- Implement an effective system of checks of medical emergency equipment and medicines taking into account the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK) and the General Dental Council.